Austenesque Lovers TBR Pile Reading Challenge 2015 discussion

Mr. Bennet says, “For what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbors, and laugh at them in our turn?”

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I read three books this weekend.

This was the first one. I enjoyed it but some the behavior of Mr Darcy and Elizabeth was just too unbelievable. I don't mind sex scenes if a logical part of the story but I did not see how the characters as written would engage in that behavior at that time in the story. I don't want to spoil anything so I am being deliberately vague.

Story highlight for me was Bingley.

Next up:



This is one of my favorite P & P books. The writing is fantastic. Mr Caldwell has a gift. The writing is at a much higher caliber than the usual P & P variations out there. I highly recommend this one.



This was my least favorite of the three. I think the most positive thing I can say about this book is I do enjoy stories about P & P characters getting stranded due to weather conditions. I did not enjoy this book though. But I do like the idea.

That is it for my reading this week. I get to read only on Friday night and Sat day.

Great start, Talia!

I've read two of Jack Caldwell's books and felt the same. I have this one on the pile to read this year so I'm glad it's good.

Sophia wrote: "Great start, Talia!

I've read two of Jack Caldwell's books and felt the same. I have this one on the pile to read this year so I'm glad it's good."

I think he has 4 books coming out this year with the first coming out this month?

I know about the Plains of Chalmette which seemed good when I read the excerpt.

Sophia wrote: "I know about the Plains of Chalmette which seemed good when I read the excerpt."

I am excited about it. Can't wait to read it. :)

I read the three book series:

Into Hertfordshire

Into Kent

The Way Home

Gosh, what to say. I read the three book series today so I am reviewing them as a whole. As usual, I don't want to give anything away so don't look for an in-depth review here. This is a Darcy POV book series with, in my opinion, little heart and zero passion. The most passionate scene with Darcy in it is with Wickham. In fact, the Wickham scenes were the highlight. The book faithfully adheres to the original and the scenes imagined are better than some but all the charm and love felt from the original P & P was lacking.

A better choice to read would be Pam Aiden's POV.

That's impressive, Talia!

I have this series on the wishlist. Interesting about the feeling of passion. I'll have to see what I think about that. Sorry it felt cold. Oh yes, love Pamela Aiden's trio. I read those when I was first starting with Austenesque books- some of my favorites still.

Sophia wrote: "That's impressive, Talia!

I have this series on the wishlist. Interesting about the feeling of passion. I'll have to see what I think about that. Sorry it felt cold. Oh yes, love Pamela Aiden'..."

I think she was the first P & P variation author I read. I wanted this series to be wonderful but it just wasn't there. Looking forward to next week's reading, I bought the Plains of Chalmette by Caldwell. :)!

I read Amanda Grange's Mr. Darcy's Diary, wanted more so then I picked up Pamela Aiden's and was impressed. Regina Jeffers wrote a good Darcy POV too.

So cool! I've read a few excerpts from Jack Caldwell's Plains of Chalmette and it sounds great. Hope you like it, Talia!

I will have to check out the two you mentioned. Thanks for the tip!

You're welcome! And it is totally cool if they don't end up doing it for you. ;)

Well I am three books into my challenge. I have read Lucky 13, Mansfield Revisited and Lizzy and Jane.

Lucky 13: P&P Modern Adaptation
5 Stars
I loved this modern adaptation. The characters were well developed and true to their Austen versions. I really liked how the author translated Austen's character personalities to be in line with the modern world. The storyline paid tribute to the P&P storyline but it had it's own fresh twist, which made it a more interesting and original read. The author included links to blog posts written by the characters that I did not read because I was not on my Kindle. I intend to re-read with the blog posts next time but you do not *need* to read them to enjoy the book.

Mansfield Revisited: Mansfield Park Sequel
3 Stars
I am a pretty generous rater so 3 stars is pretty meh from me. To start Mansfield Park is my least favorite Jane Austen novel, which didn't help. The romance felt rushed and underdeveloped and it seemed to come out of nowhere at the end. There were also parts of the story that had significant page time in the beginning that amounted to nothing but could have been something really good. The author really nailed the regency style of writing though and the main character Susan (Fanny's sister) was likable. There was a lot of potential for this book but the overall feeling for me was that the plot was rushed.

Lizzy and Jane: Modern Adaptation
5 Stars
I loved the author's debut book Dear Mr Knightley and was greatly looking forward to reading her second novel. Though I did not enjoy it as much as her first I still give this one five stars. It was an excellent (but not light) read and I finished it in a day. Romance plays a a very small role in this novel as the focus is the relationship between the two sisters who have quite the opposite relationship as the two famous sisters they were named for. Really good writing, flawed well developed characters and a good moving plot made for a great read.

Next up is Jane Fairfax by the same author as Mansfield Revisited. I have had that one in my TBR pile for almost 2 years. Amazon is also sending me some goodies in the mail :) I got Artemisia and Persuasion, Captain Wentworth and Cracklin' Cornbread headed my way!

Thanks for the update and the honest reviews, Shannon! You’re helping us all with our lists!

Excellent reviews, Shannon! I agree with your ratings and statements! Excited about the books you have lined up next!

Shannon wrote: "Well I am three books into my challenge. I have read Lucky 13, Mansfield Revisited and Lizzy and Jane.

Lucky 13: P&P Modern Adaptation
5 Stars
I loved this modern adaptation. The characters were ..."

Thanks for the book ideas.

My books this week are:



I really liked this book. Jan Hahn has one of the most impertinent Lizzy out there but somehow it works! Well done.



I love Jack Caldwell. I love reading books like Horatio Hornblower as well. I can see where he was going with this one but I needed more from the characters. I will probably read the whole series but want more depth and artistry from his next one.



This was my favorite of the bunch this week. I loved it. They were just adorable. All the characters were just as they should be. Bluebells will go in my favorite list.

Nice summation, Talia!

I'm so glad Bluebells was a big hit. It's one I already have.

Sophia wrote: "Nice summation, Talia!

I'm so glad Bluebells was a big hit. It's one I already have."

I liked the other two as well.

Those are on my radar too, Talia. ;) I've got to catch up on my existing pile first before I can get more. That's what I keep reminding myself. Haha!

I love seeing what everyone is reading so I can add to my pile. :)

I do too. My wish list just gets bigger and bigger. That's okay just so long as my TBR pile starts to get smaller.

I am now 7 books into my challenge.

Jane Fairfax: Emma Prequel/Alt POV
3.5 Stars
If I based my rating on the first part of the book I would have given it 4.5 stars. I loved reading about young Emma and seeing things from Jane's POV. What I didn't like was that the romance with Frank wasn't that great and seemed rushed in the end. I didn't think the author gave a good enough reason for Jane to agree to a secret elopement. Writing overall was excellent and the prequel part was definitely worth the read.

Artemisia: Original Regency
5 Stars
Loved this book. The protagonist was full of spunk and it was a nice original story with some twists. They also quoted my favorite Austenesque blog on the back of the book :)

Persuasion, Captain Wentworth & Cracklin' Cornbread: Modern Persuasion
4.5 Stars
I really liked this book as well. I liked that the author wrote from both POVs. It followed the Persuasion story line pretty closely. The Anne and Frederick of the story (Lucy and Dr Chevy) were very well written and believable.

The Muse: Modern P&P
5 Stars
I am a sucker for ballet/dance themes so I flew through this book. It was a lot like the movie Center Stage for those that have seen it. Lots of sexual tension in this one. The author did a good job keeping the characters true to their Austen counterparts with the exception of Georgianna who was a bit too valley girl for me.

Next up for me is Monica Fairview's recent Darcy set Mr Darcy's Challenge and Mr Darcy's Pledge. Happy reading!

Talia wrote: "My books this week are:



I really liked this book. Jan Hahn has one of the most impertinent Lizzy out there but somehow it works! Well done.

[bookcover:T..."

I loved Bluebells in the Mourning! Definitely one of my favorites. I am glad you liked it as well :)

Shannon wrote: "I am now 7 books into my challenge.

Jane Fairfax: Emma Prequel/Alt POV
3.5 Stars
If I based my rating on the first part of the book I would have given it 4.5 stars. I loved reading about young Em..."

Thanks for sharing. I haven't read any of them so they will go on the list.

Impressive, Shannon!

Thanks for the reviews, Shannon! The Muse is one on my list, so I’m glad to hear you liked it so much.

This week I read the Pam Aidan trilogy. I read these years ago. They were the first P & P variations I read. I still love them today and consider her writing up there in the best category. Highly recommend!

I love them too, Talia!

Someday I'll do a re-read.

Shannon wrote: "I am now 7 books into my challenge.

Jane Fairfax: Emma Prequel/Alt POV
3.5 Stars
If I based my rating on the first part of the book I would have given it 4.5 stars. I loved reading about young Em..."

Thanks for the reviews. The Muse is one I was looking at, and I do love the movie Center Stage.

I am happy to say that I joined kindle unlimited. I thought you had to have a kindle but I found out that I could use my ipad. So, I have a mid-week book to add to the finished list.

Pride, Prejudice, and Secrets

I loved it. Again, I wish that author's would stop finishing all the story lines up quickly in an epilogue but other than that, I loved it. Wickham was terrific in this one. And Jane's storyline was great too.

I have a Goodreads question. Can you add audiobooks to your bookshelf? I got 3 months free from audible from signing up for kindle unlimited and am listening to P & P by a BBC cast. I would like to add it. Thanks in advance.

Talia wrote: "I have a Goodreads question. Can you add audiobooks to your bookshelf? I got 3 months free from audible from signing up for kindle unlimited and am listening to P & P by a BBC cast. I would like to..."

Yes you can. Where you edit your review, under the book cover it says change edition. Click that, and then find the audia edition.

Also thanks for the info on kindle unlimited. I too thought you had to have a kindle.

So, I had some extra time today and read through:
Dearly Beloved

I expected this book to be a 3 star or less but loved it! I couldn't put it down. What a lovely surprise.

Talia wrote: "I have a Goodreads question. Can you add audiobooks to your bookshelf? I got 3 months free from audible from signing up for kindle unlimited and am listening to P & P by a BBC cast. I would like to..."

Yes, Talia, to a limited extent audio books are some of the formats available for books on GoodReads. Some haven't been added yet, but I just pick one of the other formats and put my review there with a warning at the top that its an audio review. Audio totally counts for our challenge too even if it is a book you've read in another format. Glad you can enjoy some good books at Audible.

Glad you liked Pride, Prejudice and Secrets along with Dearly Beloved, Talia.

It's been a while since I read Dearly Beloved, but I remember really liking it too.

Sophia wrote: "Glad you liked Pride, Prejudice and Secrets along with Dearly Beloved, Talia.

It's been a while since I read Dearly Beloved, but I remember really liking it too."

Reading Steady to His Purpose: A Variation of Pride and Prejudice next.

Talia wrote: "Sophia wrote: "Glad you liked Pride, Prejudice and Secrets along with Dearly Beloved, Talia.

It's been a while since I read Dearly Beloved, but I remember really liking it too."

Reading [book:St..."

Finished Steady to His Purpose and another nice surprise. Loved the Caroline storyline in this one. Great book.

Finished The Resolute Suitor: A Pride and Prejudice Variation. After a couple of surprisingly wonderful books, I found one that did not speak to me.

This weekend, I read Dear Mr. Knightley and it wasn't for me. Also, I read Henry Tilney's Diary and Mr. Darcy, Vampyre. Both of which I enjoyed very much.

Thanks for starting this fun group!

Ahnya wrote: "Talia wrote: "I have a Goodreads question. Can you add audiobooks to your bookshelf? I got 3 months free from audible from signing up for kindle unlimited and am listening to P & P by a BBC cast. I..."

Thank you for the info.

Sophia wrote: "Talia wrote: "I have a Goodreads question. Can you add audiobooks to your bookshelf? I got 3 months free from audible from signing up for kindle unlimited and am listening to P & P by a BBC cast. I..."

Thank you for the info too. :)

Just finished The Darcy Madness. Loved it.

Hadn't heard of this one. A curse...interesting. Glad you liked it, Talia.

Hello everyone! January has come and gone already. Took a day off from reading to check-in with my reading group. I have finished 11. I have read other but they were very short stories and I don't count them.

1. Pledgers by Riley St. Andish **** I recommend Compelling Consequences:A Tale Fashioned from Pride & Prejudice also by the same author because some of the characters were conceived in this book. This is about a gentleman who has inherited a royal duty and great wealth and the people who are trying to take away. There is a P&P connection.

2. Return to Longbourn by Shannon Winslow. *** Shannon is an good writer but I'm not a fan of Mary Bennett.

3. One Snowy Night by Amanda Grange. *** This story was about a young lady stranded in a snow storm at an inn, on the way to the reading of her grandfathers' will, who meets an arrogant and selfish man. Not knowing at the time that he is her grandfathers' godson.

4. Pulse and Prejudice by Colette Saucier. **** This is Pride and Prejudice with Mr. Darcy as a vampire.

5. The Pride of Pemberley by April Karber. **** This story is about how Elizabeth, with the help of Georgianna, try to find and save her silly sister Lydia.

6. Pemberley Manor by Kathryn Nelson. **** Darcy struggle with his past and the ghost that he feels haunts Pemberley during his first year of marriage.

7&8. Mr. Darcy Pledge Part 1 ****and Mr. Darcy Challenge Part 2*** by Monica Fairview. Mr Darcy has decided it was time to find him a wife, and the search begins. First book was entertaining but the second book was more of the same with a disappointing conclusion.

9. On Word From You by Natalie Penna.**** This is a teenage adaption of P&P with Elisabeth Blake and William Davies. This was fun.

10. The Gentleman's Impertinent Daughter by Rose Fairbanks**** A different take on how and when Darcy and Elizabeth meet.

11. Unequal Affection by Lara Ormiston. **** Mr Darcy was in love with Elizabeth Bennett and he was not going to let anyone or anything stop him.

Well dear reader I have come to the end. There are several of this list that I will read again. I hope all of you have read some entertaining books. Until March 1st. I leave you with a easy trivia question: Who is the only gentleman to have married all five of the Bennett Sister's?

Thanks for reading!

P.S. Please excuse and errors I was Watching Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth. ;)

*whistles appreciatively* Not bad at all, Elaine! You read some I didn't know about so I'll definitely be checking those out.

Thanks Sophia, will be back to my books tomorrow. The Gentleman's Impertinent Daughter by Rose Fairbanks is $.99 on Amazon. On Word From You by Natalie Penna was free, but I checked and the Kindle edition was no longer available. It got 2 one star reviews because they said that Beth was snarky. She's a modern day teen what do they want?

Hey Sophia, you have know opinion about the trivia question!

Haha! I forgot to answer. I was thinking Col. Fitz, but really have no idea. Am I right, Elaine?

And I'll have to check out the sale. I have that on my wish list, thanks!

Elaine wrote: "Hello everyone! January has come and gone already. Took a day off from reading to check-in with my reading group. I have finished 11. I have read other but they were very short stories and I don't..."

Thanks for sharing your book list. I can't wait to check them out.